A lot of us don’t remember when CBS’s soap opera “The Young and the Restless” began. The year was 1973 and now in its 46th season, the Daytime Emmy Award-Winning drama has been the number one daytime drama for over 28 years. That’s impressive and casting plays a lion share in what makes the Y&R machine still tick away.
That includes the casting of Sean Dominic, model turned actor. The show revolves around the rivalries, romances, hopes and fears of the residents of the fictional Midwestern metropolis, Genoa City. Here Sean portrays Dr. Nate Hastings, the son of Nathan Hastings and Olivia Winters, and would later become the adopted son of Malcolm Winters. Over the years Dr. Hastings has seen and been put through traumatic events including his mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis right after his birth, an HIV scare, parental separations, as well as the deaths of loved ones, and patients.
Dominic started his life in Madrid, Spain where he was born, the child of a single mother serving in the U.S. Airforce. An army kid he lived the life of travel growing up through a few states in the U.S. including South Dakota, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, to name a few.
At an early age, he became fascinated with arts and entertainment and started acting in local productions and school plays. After high school, he worked as a model traveling the world before moving to New York to hone his acting craft. Smaller roles started to roll in including roles in many film and television projects including OWN’s “Greenleaf,” USA’s “Royal Pains,” and BET’s “Situationships,” and soon after, landed the coveted role on “The Young and the Restless.”
Healthy body, healthy mind when Sean has downtime, he can be found working out at the gym, hiking, boxing, and playing basketball to stay fit. When he’s not working in front of the cameras or working out, Sean travels the world and works with local community organizations to help children and the homeless.
Here is what actor Sean Dominic, holding it down in CBS’ “The Young and the Restless”— Y&R—had to share about playing Dr. Nate Hastings and who he would like to have brunch with living or dead.
LOS ANGELES SENTINEL: CBS’ “The Young and the Restless”— Y&R—is an iconic soap opera and one of the best. Describe your character, Dr. Nate Hastings, please.
SEAN DOMINIC: Dr. Nate Hastings is son to Oliva Barber Winters and Nathan Hastings. Stepson to Malcolm Winters. He recently came back to Genoa City, after being away for a time. Dr. Nate Hastings is smart, acutely aware of his surroundings, and always willing to lend a hand. Still in search of love in Genoa City but continuing to build strong bonds especially with his cousin Devon.
LAS: And now I am all caught up about Y&A, thank you, Sean Dominic.
Did you grow up watching soap operas? A Y&R fan from way back?
SD: I grew up watching soaps because of aunts, uncles, and grandparents watching them. “The Young & the Restless” was the most popular one in my family.
LAS: Y&R was a popular choice with my grandmother and my aunties for sure. You were born in Madrid, Spain and traveled with your mother around the U.S. Where do you call home and why?
SD: I call home where I lay my head home. I recently moved to LA from NYC after being there for 16ish years. I kind of consider Brooklyn my home-home.
LAS: Brooklyn. I feel you. According to your bio, you have a love of music. Do you still play the saxophone and trombone?
SD: No, I do not. I just picked up the guitar though. So watch out world. I’m coming. Lol
LAS: The guitar? Love it. Do you go to a church with a vibrant gospel choir? Your bio mentioned something about you participating in one in the past.
SD: No I do not attend church here in LA. But that’s a must for a church for me. Lol
LAS: Right? A church without a rocking choir is a deal-breaker for me as well. What do you think of what’s happening in Atlanta now?
SD: I loveeee what’s happening in ATL. I wish it was happening when I lived there. Soo many opportunities for up-and-coming actors down there.
LAS: As a model, you traveled the world what is your favorite place to live?
SD: Favorite place I’ve lived so far is probably NYC even though my favorite place I went to for modeling was Cape Town, South Africa.
LAS: In building up your acting chops — according to your bio — you studied with Susan Batson … I’ve heard stories. What was that like?
SD: Mannnnn, Susan Batson is a BEAST. I remember taking a class there and it got very popular so we had a lot of people in our class. We would be there sometimes from 6 pm to 4 am. She would be pushing right along with us. Making sure everyone had the time to work on their craft. It was amazing.
LAS: Well Ms. Batson’s work paid off. In addition to Y&R you’ve appeared in OWN’s “Greenleaf,” USA’s “Royal Pains,” and BET’s “Situationships” — “what was it like before you landed “Young & the Restless”?”
SD: While working on “Greenleaf” it allowed me to work with professionals who’ve been in the game for a while. The likes of Lynn Whitfield and Keith David are just a couple. To see them on set doing their craft. I tried to absorb all I could. It was an amazing experience that prepared me for “The Young & the Restless.”
LAS: What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
SD: Don’t think there is such a thing as perfect happiness. I believe in always finding meaning in life. Working towards small and large goals. Taking on as much responsibility as you can muster. Through all of that, you find pockets of happiness I believe.
LAS: What historical figure or icon would you like to have brunch with?
SD: I’d like to have brunch with Genghis Khan.
LAS: What’s your comfort food?
SD: I’m big on soups and stews and ramen. Give me one of those and I’m in comfort.
LAS: Do you binge watch TV? Geek out on Podcasts? If so, what’s been on your list?
SD: Not as much as I used to. But I’m enjoying “Tiger King” on Netflix currently. Love Joe Rogan’s podcast and a few other comedian podcasts along with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast. I have a slew of other podcasts as well.
To follow Sean Dominic: @Seanjuan55
This interview was been edited for clarification.
